Health & Wellness

If you’re considering a diet that helps to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglycerides and lose weight, you might want to consider one of these eight heart-healthy diets.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet – This diet, based on the ever-popular Mediterranean diet, helps to reduce inflammation, in turn helping to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and heart disease. Created by Andrew Weil, the anti-inflammatory diet also helps boost mental and physical health.

Biggest Loser Diet – Following one of several Biggest Loser books, ranging from short to long, this a great diet choice for starting your weight-loss journey. And with a variety of Biggest Loser books, you’ll always stay motivated.

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet – This diet (that was developed with the help from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)) helps to prevent and lower hypertension, or high blood pressure. The focus is on fruits, lean protein, low-fat dairy, veggies, and whole grains. The calcium, fiber, potassium, and protein found in these foods help fight off blood pressure.

Flat Belly Diet – Created by former Prevention magazine editor Liz Vaccariello and registered dietitian Cynthia Sass, the Flat Belly Diet does just what it says by helping you lose several inches of belly fat.

Mayo Clinic Diet – Mayo Clinic’s unique food pyramid will help you turn bad habits into good habits with this diet. Consisting of two parts, you’ll shed 6 to 10 pounds in two weeks and an additional 1 to 2 pounds per week until you hit your desired goal weight.

Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) Diet – In one study by the Journal of Lipid Research, participants following the TLC diet reduced their LDL cholesterol by 11 percent after only 32 days. This diet was created by the National Cholesterol Education Program.

The Traditional Asian Diet – With Asian countries experiencing more reduced rates of cancer, heart disease, and obesity than other countries, it’s no surprise that people are taking note of the healthy eating lifestyle of the East: fish, fresh fruit, little red meat, rice, and vegetables. This diet will help you lose weight and help prevent chronic diseases.

In Season

May is the gateway to summer--it is a month that can start off raining, but always seems to end with sunshine. The days are continuing to get warmer and longer, and we are enjoying a wider selection of fresh produce. May is also National Barbeque Month, so if you have not already been outside grilling, there is no excuse to delay any longer. This is a test.